Jack E. Williams, horticulturist and poinsettia expert, dies at 54

Jack E. Williams considered careers in theater and education before he found his true calling in the world of horticulture.

His passion for poinsettias and other plants was infectious, said friends and colleagues, and he traveled millions of miles around the world to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with growers.

Whether he was in Africa, India or South America, Mr. Williams made friends easily and enjoyed being the face of the renowned Encinitas-based Ecke Ranch.

Mr. Williams died of deep vein thrombosis Oct. 18 in Australia while traveling on business. He was 54.

Paul Ecke III said Mr. Williams was a “rock star” in the industry with his unique combination of technical expertise and showmanship presentation style. “He loved to teach and he was a good speaker. Nobody did it better than Jack,” Ecke said. “He was always entertaining and people around the world knew Jack Williams.”

Longtime friend Lloyd Traven of Pennsylvania said Mr. Williams was a popular speaker worldwide and a respected board member of OFA, the industry’s leading horticulture educational association, which is based in Ohio and holds an annual trade show that attracts about 10,000 people from more than 30 countries.

“He was an engaging speaker who was never condescending to his audience,” Traven said. “He was Mr. Poinsetta.”

Mr. Williams’ colleagues, who also count themselves as friends, said he had an exuberant joy for life. “He was the most optimistic, happy person … he knew he had a great job. He had a great family, he knew how lucky he was,” Traven said. “And everywhere he went, people loved him.”

P.J. Ellison of Texas, said she considered Mr. Williams a brother. “Jack was my twin of a different mother, that was a joke in the industry,” Ellison said. “He was an exceptional spirit, he got people excited and passionate (about plants). Jack was a good soul and very nurturing. He loved to help growers be successful.”

Marketing consultant Snow Maestas said Mr. Williams was a friend and mentor to her. “He didn’t have acquaintances, he had friends,” Maestas said. “He managed to have meaningful relationships with the people who came into his life. We don’t know how he did it. He was a very loyal and generous friend.”

He was born July 14, 1956, in Pueblo, Colo. to Evelyn and George Williams. His father was assistant director of parks and recreation in Pueblo. In a 2003 interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune, Mr. Williams said he attended a turf grass conference with his father in the mid-1970s. He had been studying to be an actor at the time but changed career paths. “I knew I didn’t have the talent to make it as an actor and I was fascinated with plant science,” Mr. Williams said in the interview, “so I switched to horticulture. All I wanted to do from then on was work with plants.”

Mr. Williams used his skills as a performer and teacher to share his horticulture expertise. Friend and colleague Faith Savage said Mr. Williams brought joy and energy to his training seminars for growers around the world. “He always had a smile on his face and he loved what he did,” Savage said.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University, Fort Collins in 1979.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cheryl of Encinitas; a son, Stephen of Santa Barbara; a daughter, Bethany of Ohio; his father, George of Pueblo; and two brothers, Raymond and George, both of Colorado. He was predeceased by his mother.